Thomson Reuters and Markit integrate instant messaging directories

“Financial market professionals from across the industry can now securely find contacts from a growing address book of 250,000 individuals, work more efficiently and create new business opportunities through improved collaboration,” a statement said.

Thomson Reuters said earlier this year EIkon’s messaging system had more than 210,000 users.

Bloomberg messaging, a closed network exclusively for users of Bloomberg terminals, is the most popular form of chat on Wall Street and often cited as one of the reasons banks are willing to pay around $20,000 a year for a Bloomberg terminal. 

“Thomson Reuters has always been a proponent of open systems, reflecting the need of the financial industry for greater compliance, interoperability and cost control,” said Yvette Jackson, global head of collaboration services at Thomson Reuters. “The integration of the Markit directory into Eikon Messenger is just the latest development in the continuing evolution of our instant messaging service.”

Collaboration Services is an open messaging network launched in October 2013 by Markit in partnership with Thomson Reuters and eight global banks. The network enables financial professionals to send instant messages securely across different messaging platforms. ■